K2 Spice Synthetic Marijuana BLOG

CP 55,940 is a potent synthetic cannabinoid which has the same effects of but more potent than THC (a naturally occurring compound present in marijuana) and the effects of amphetamine. Because of this, CP 55,940 was never marketed since its creation by Pfizer in Germany in 1974. And so, it is also why it has been labeled as "not to be consumed by humans."

CP 55,940 was used for plants and sold as herbal incense. It was also studied for its "efficacy in perturbing Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative states.”

A white solid substance, CP 55,940 has been the interest of many researchers. Because it is not approved for human consumption (not only of the fact that it is potent but also, little information exists on CP 55,940's side effects, harmful reactions and damage, addiction potential), researchers shot it in mice. Studies revealed effects such as decreased social interaction reduced locomotors activity and anxiety (in mice).

Also, due to the fact that it mimics the effects of THC, it can be said that CP 55,940 can have psychoactive and somatic effects including euphoria, increased alertness, restlessness, sudden mood changes with appreciation to humor, sadness and other emotions, paranoia, increased heart rate and reddening of the eyes. Accounts from users reveal skin tingling, appetite stimulation, lightheadedness, nausea and "a shift in consciousness toward a more childlike, emotionally opened state.” To date, no information is provided on the neurotoxicity of this substance. “The pharmacological and toxicological properties of this product have not been fully investigated.”

Notwithstanding its dangerous side effects on humans, a number have been using it as an alternative to marijuana although at low doses. But unlike other drugs, CP 55,940 loses its potency when stored at a temperature below or above than its desired temperature, and so doses taken may vary.

In the United States, there is no law that controls the use of CP 55,940. But because of its structural similarity to marijuana (schedule one under analog laws), it is considered illegal for human consumption.

In drug tests, as of November 2009, there has been not a single test that can detect CP 55,940, as a synthetic cannabinoid, in urine, blood, and saliva screening. This can be attributed to how drug tests work. When a drug is taken, the body breaks it down and "metabolites are formed as part of this process." This test will look into "specific types of metabolites that could only occur as a result of drug taking." However, no test can detect metabolites of synthetic cannabinoid (as of 2009)—nevertheless, there have been reports on the development of the detection of this synthetic compound.

To date, there are no reports of CP 55,940 users caught by authorities—or hospitalized.